With our 5 days Gorillas and Wildlife Safari in Rwanda, visitors have the golden opportunity of exploring two of Rwanda’s popular safari destinations-Volcanoes National Park for memorable gorilla trekking experience, the memorial visit to Dian Fossey gravesite/hike to the summit on one of the Virunga Mountains and visit to the Gorilla Guardian Village (popularly known as Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village).
This safari also leads you to the breathtaking Akagera National Park for game drives and boat rides where endless views of Topis, Defassa waterbucks, Masai giraffes, warthogs, spotted hyenas, the big five animals (Rhinos, elephants, Cape buffaloes, leopards and Lions), Grant’s gazelles and olive baboons among others. With a checklist of 500 species of birds, a visit to Akagera National Park is definitely worthwhile.
Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Scenic drive from Kigali City to Akagera National Park for unsurpassed game viewing experience.
Have breakfast and wait for pick-up from any location in Kigali City for a short City tour beginning by 9:00am. The Tour leads to magnificent historical/cultural sites in the City of Kigali and start the drive to the East, where Akagera National Park is nestled. Enjoy views of the stunning undulating plains, rolling hills, the countryside, jovial locals waving to passersby and the series of Lakes connected by vast Papyrus wetlands.
In the afternoon, you will be at Akagera National Park for Lunch and undertake a short game drive characterized by sights of zebras, Masai giraffes, Defassa waterbucks, Cape buffaloes, Topis and elephants.
Day 2: Rewarding morning game drive and boat ride on Lake Ihema.
A night in Akagera’s wilderness is one of the best nights of a lifetime but it won’t be long before you hear the sound of birds and see sunrise views through your room windows. This is the wilderness calling to be explored and therefore have breakfast and straightaway head out for the game drive in an open-roofed vehicle to clearly spot and take photographs of leopards, Rhinos, lions, bushbucks, Sitatunga, duikers, Topis, warthogs, olive baboons, elephants, Oribis, Cape buffaloes and Masai giraffes among others. After 3-4 hours of driving through the northern part of the Park, return back to the Lodge for Lunch.
After the delicious Lunch and short relaxation, leave the Lodge for the shores of Lake Ihema, for the start of the boat ride where views of Hippos and Crocodiles as well as herds of elephants, Kobs, buffaloes and bushbucks visiting the shores to drink water and cool themselves is enjoyed. With your binoculars look up in the sky, on the shores and nearby wetland for bird species such as African jacanas, shoe billed storks, pelicans, grey-crowned cranes, Papyrus gonolek, herons and kingfishers among others. Bonfire while relaxing with a glass of wine and interacting with fellow visitors is a perfect way to close your evening.
Day 3: Last game drive through Akagera National Park and transfer to Volcanoes National in north-western Rwanda.
Have breakfast and exit the spectacular savannah plains of Akagera National Park through a game drive and transfer to Volcanoes National Park for your life-changing trek for the mountain gorillas in one of their wonderful natural habitats. Check-in and have Lunch at the Lodge before taking leisure walks round the Lodge.
Day 4: Trek for mountain gorillas and evening visit to the Gorilla Guardian Village.
Early this morning have breakfast and be transferred to Kinigi Park Headquarters by 07h00 for briefing on the rules and regulations of trekking mountain gorillas. This is then followed by allocation to one of the 13 habituated gorilla groups and Park guides to lead you through the life-changing treks. Get into your vehicle for a 20-30 minutes’ drive to the trailhead at the Park borders and set out for the trek through the forest to find/see the mountain gorillas.
Trekking requires patience, determination and basic level of fitness because it can take up to 6 hours before the gorilla group is finally found. This would have taken even a full day but your guides coordinate with a team of trackers who move ahead to trace the gorillas based on their movement patterns and observation/photography takes one hour only but it is probably one of the most unforgettable moments.
In the evening prepare yourself to immerse yourself in culture of Rwandan people through drumming lessons from Intore Dancers, energetic traditional dances, preparation and tasting local cuisines, take the local banana beer, listen to tales of Rwanda’s past from village elders, visits to Traditional herbalist and many others within the Gorilla Guardian Village near Volcanoes National Park. Get back to the Lodge for relaxation and meals under the stars, around the fireplace and later overnight stay.
Day 5: Dian Fossey Grave Hike or Climb one of the Virunga Mountains and drive back to Kigali.
On the last day undertake the hike to Dian Fossey gravesite or to the peak of one of the Virunga Mountains after a hefty breakfast. This increases chances of encountering more of the Park’s wildlife and bird species and return back to the Lodge for Lunch before connecting to the City or the Airport.
End of your 5 days Gorillas and Wildlife Safari in Rwanda.
